How can I start learning autocad. Any Autocad advice for a begginer?

Question

I am a sculptor who wants to learn autocad but I know nothing about it. Assuming I have a copy on my home computer (which I don't at the moment), can I teach my self, where are the best web tutorials. What would be any good advice for someone in my position.

Answer 1

Try the forum via the link below. They discussion boards are great and tutorials cover a good number of topics to get you started.

I find that with AutoCAD, like many other CAD applications, that the trick is with mastering and understanding the basic concepts and a handful of commands - drawing objects, manipulating/editing objects, scaling and printing drawings, the user coordinate system. Once you've mastered these (or even have a basic understanding of these), you're well on your way and should be able to figure more advanced things out on your own, or by asking specific questions on forums.

Don't get caught up with trying to do more advanced things before the basics are in place. Bear in mind that AutoCAD is simply a line drawing tool and very often you'll find that you'll find your own way around if you think clearly about what you're doing and drawing, even with very limited knowledge and experience.

Answer 2

It is quite hard to 'sculpt' 3d with autocad especially as a beginner. Whilst AutoCAD 2007 has made some inroads into simplifying the 3D modeling process it is still very in depth. Nevertheless www.augi.com is a the Autodesk Users Group International forum which runs online free tutorials. This site seems to be affiliated with the makers of AutoCAD (Autodesk). You can subscribe to upcoming tutorials or access their archives once you've signed up (free).
Use Sketchup or Sketchup Pro from Google (formerly from @last software) for the free or next to nothing alternative to the €x,000 AutoCAD licence. Sketchup can be easier at design/concept stage.

Answer 3

I hope you don't have a lot invested in it, as a sculptor you would be much better served using an art type of program such as corel or canvas. AutoCad is for technical drawing. Not to say you can't be artistic with it, it's just not as free form as either of the two I mentioned.

Answer 4

Hi I tought myself to use AutoCad 2002 it was quite challenging but I used a book called MASTERING AUTOCAD 2002, it was quite expensive but it is without a doubt a very informative guide, it will take you from drawing simple 2d shapes and slowly introduce you into the world of 3D modeling, I am now very competant with 3D modelling and produce all the CAD drawings for my company making simple to complex mould tools, I would recommend this book to anyone who is considering teaching there-selves. Hve fun

Answer 5

I do not believe in quick-and-ditry tutorials. When i had to use Autocad for the first time, the best way was to work with it using own Autocad help.

Answer 6

I've seen lots of tutorials on Ebay for this. A book from the library will help, there are lots there, also used book stores will have some. You will need some practical experience, maybe attend a local college or call your local Autodesk reseller. Another program you may want to try is Inventor or Solidworks.

Answer 7

I used R14 when I was at uni (doing Engineering) and found it less than intuitive. I recommend at least researching it online and finding some books and/or tutorials but to be honest I would go for a course.

Answer 8

http://www.upfrontezine.com/tailor/resources.htm

http://www.pageforward.co.uk/acatalog/AutoCAD_2000.html

Or you could try courses through learn direct.

http://www.learndirect.co.uk/